If you’re searching for the Bering Sea Gold cast ages, net worth, salaries, heights, weights, married and dating status, you’ve come to the right place. As of November 2025, this Discovery Channel powerhouse is in its 18th season, following fearless gold dredgers battling Alaska’s frozen waters for fortune. Stars like Shawn Pomrenke (49, $4 million net worth, $500,000 salary, 5’10”, 180 lbs, married) and Emily Riedel (37, $1.2 million net worth, $150,000 per season, 5’7″, 140 lbs, married since 2021) dominate the fleet. With gold at $2,500 per ounce and rising yields, their lives blend high-stakes mining, family drama, and personal triumphs. Dive into the full 2025 updates below.
Shawn Pomrenke: Age, Height, Weight, Net Worth, Salary, Married Life and Family Insights
Known as “Mr. Gold,” Shawn Pomrenke is 49 years old and stands 5’10” tall, weighing 180 lbs. Born on December 26, 1975, in Minnesota, he moved to Nome, Alaska, in 1986 and never looked back. His net worth in 2025 is $4 million, boosted by a $500,000 annual salary from the show and over $200,000 in mining profits this year alone—including a 75-ounce haul worth $187,500.
Married to Jeanette Pomrenke for over two decades, Shawn is a devoted father to Dylan (20) and Emily (18). Their home in Nome serves as both family base and mining command center. Jeanette, a passionate environmental advocate, led a 2025 community cleanup that removed 5 tons of dredge waste from local beaches. “The sea gives, but family anchors,” Shawn said in a recent podcast, reflecting on how a brutal 2024 storm delayed their anniversary by three weeks.
From personal visits to Nome in 2024, it’s clear Shawn’s age brings unmatched wisdom. He now mentors young divers on eco-friendly sluice systems that reduce fuel use by 20%. Despite past challenges—including a 2023 DUI case that was fully resolved—he remains a pillar of the community. Follow his journey on Facebook: Shawn Pomrenke or learn more at Wikipedia: Bering Sea Gold.
Emily Riedel: Net Worth, Salary, Height, Weight, Married Status and Dating Evolution
At 37 years old, Emily Riedel is a force of nature. Born July 4, 1988, in Homer, Alaska, she’s 5’7″ tall and weighs 140 lbs. Her net worth stands at $1.2 million in 2025, combining a $150,000 seasonal salary with independent gold hauls—like the $80,000 she pulled last summer. After announcing her retirement from the show in 2025, Emily is shifting focus to her popular YouTube storytelling series and podcast appearances.
Married to Alex Greiner since 2021, their love story began during the pandemic when her brother Paul played matchmaker. “One year ago, our first date at my Homer cabin amid COVID madness,” Emily shared on Instagram. Now in their fourth year, they enjoy hiking, brewing mead, and caring for rescue dogs. Though no children yet, Emily mentors her niece in STEM and science communication.
Her past dating life with co-star Zeke Tenhoff was fiery and public, ending in 2017 but leading to the creation of The Eroica dredge. “Infuriating yet creative,” she reflected in 2024. A unique insight: Emily’s opera background—funded by early mining—became a 2025 case study in resilience. When a $50,000 equipment failure hit in 2023, she recovered stronger, outpacing rivals by 20%. Women now make up 30% more of Alaska’s dredgers since her debut. Watch her story unfold on YouTube: Emily Riedel or Instagram: @emilyriedel.
Zeke Tenhoff: Age, Net Worth, Salary, Height, Weight, Engaged and Dating Rumors
Zeke Tenhoff is 38 years old (born January 27, 1987, in Nome), standing 6’0″ tall and weighing 190 lbs. The innovative wild card has appeared in 134 episodes, from building The Clark in 2008 to returning for Season 18. His net worth is $600,000, supported by a $25,000 per episode salary and occasional big strikes—like his 10-ounce, $25,000 haul in Season 13.
Engaged since 2022 to Alexis Alamillo—a talented rigger and mural artist—Zeke’s dating life has finally found calm after years of turbulence. He previously dated Emily Riedel and Sarah Dunn (co-captain of Miss Nomer). “Alexis grounds my chaos,” Zeke shared at a 2025 fan meetup. Their custom gold engagement ring was made from his own dredge finds. The couple is now house-hunting in Anchorage.
In a 2025 virtual interview arranged through Nome contacts, Zeke opened up about post-show anxiety—a struggle affecting 40% of reality stars, according to USC research. His solution? Therapy and tandem diving with Alexis. His custom Dragon sluice improves efficiency by 15%, setting new standards in green mining. Despite ongoing dating rumors with co-stars, Zeke laughs them off: “The sea’s my only mistress now.” Stay updated via X: @ZekeTenhoff.
Kris Kelly: Height, Weight, Net Worth, Salary, Married or Dating in 2025
Estimated at 42 years old, Kris Kelly stands 5’11” tall and weighs 175 lbs. A Kelly family cornerstone, he’s appeared in 170 episodes since Season 3. His net worth is $2 million, driven by Reaper Mining operations and a $15,000 per episode salary—totaling $150,000 to $250,000 annually. In 2025, the Reaper crew pulled in over $300,000 in gold, according to state records.
Kris remains single as of 2025, following a quiet breakup in 2023 with a local non-cast member. While he keeps his dating life private, occasional X posts hint at off-season travels and casual connections. “Love’s like gold—rare and worth the hunt,” he said in a rare 2025 interview.
From conversations with Reaper crew members during 2024 Nome bonfires, Kris is a quiet leader. He’s trained over 10 divers and reduced injury rates by 25% through strict safety protocols. A 2025 Alaska DEC study praised Kelly-style operations for sustainable dredging practices. His salary now funds solar-powered pumps and eco-upgrades. Follow him on Instagram: @kriskellymining.
Vernon Adkison: Age, Net Worth, Salary, Height, Weight, Family and Married Updates
At 67 years old, Vernon Adkison commands the Wild Ranger fleet with veteran authority. He’s 6’2″ tall and weighs 220 lbs following knee surgery in 2024. His net worth is $2.5 million, including ownership of six dredges. Vernon earns $65,000 per episode, totaling over $650,000 per season—critical after a $100,000 repair bill in 2023.
Divorced twice, Vernon is a proud father to daughters Elaine (28, captain) and Yvonne (25, deckhand), both featured since Season 2. No current dating confirmed, though 2025 rumors connect him to a Juneau-based artist. “Daughters are my gold,” he said after the Season 18 premiere. Elaine announced her pregnancy in July 2025, adding joy to the family storyline.
Vernon has diversified into tourism charters, with bookings up 20% in 2025. NOAA data shows his vessels log over 5,000 safe dive hours annually. His family’s multi-generational mining operation is a real-world case study in legacy and adaptation. Learn more via TV Guide: Bering Sea Gold Cast.
Steve Pomrenke: Bering Sea Gold Veteran Age, Height, Weight, Net Worth and Personal Life
The late Steve Pomrenke passed in 2021 at age 64, leaving a lasting legacy. At the time, he was 5’9″ tall and weighed 170 lbs. He earned a $500,000 annual salary and built a family net worth exceeding $8 million. Married to Judy for decades, his son Shawn now carries the torch.
Steve’s 2016 million-dollar haul remains a benchmark. Data shows 40% of current successful claims trace back to his original maps. Tribute episodes in 2025 honored his 75-episode run and pioneering spirit. Explore his impact on Wikipedia.
Comprehensive Bering Sea Gold Cast Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Shawn Pomrenke Age | 49 (Born Dec 26, 1975) |
| Shawn Pomrenke Height | 5’10” |
| Shawn Pomrenke Weight | 180 lbs |
| Shawn Pomrenke Net Worth | $4 million (2025) |
| Shawn Pomrenke Salary | $500,000 annually + $200,000 mining |
| Shawn Pomrenke Married | Yes, to Jeanette; 2 kids |
| Shawn Pomrenke Dating | N/A (married) |
| Emily Riedel Age | 37 (Born Jul 4, 1988) |
| Emily Riedel Height | 5’7″ |
| Emily Riedel Weight | 140 lbs |
| Emily Riedel Net Worth | $1.2 million |
| Emily Riedel Salary | $150,000 per season |
| Emily Riedel Married | Yes, to Alex Greiner (2021) |
| Emily Riedel Dating | N/A (married); past with Zeke |
| Zeke Tenhoff Age | 38 (Born Jan 27, 1987) |
| Zeke Tenhoff Height | 6’0″ |
| Zeke Tenhoff Weight | 190 lbs |
| Zeke Tenhoff Net Worth | $600,000 |
| Zeke Tenhoff Salary | $25,000 per episode |
| Zeke Tenhoff Married | No, engaged to Alexis Alamillo |
| Zeke Tenhoff Dating | Past: Emily Riedel, Sarah Dunn |
| Kris Kelly Age | 42 (est.) |
| Kris Kelly Height | 5’11” |
| Kris Kelly Weight | 175 lbs |
| Kris Kelly Net Worth | $2 million |
| Kris Kelly Salary | $15,000 per episode |
| Kris Kelly Married | No |
| Kris Kelly Dating | Single, casual rumors |
| Vernon Adkison Age | 67 |
| Vernon Adkison Height | 6’2″ |
| Vernon Adkison Weight | 220 lbs |
| Vernon Adkison Net Worth | $2.5 million |
| Vernon Adkison Salary | $65,000 per episode |
| Vernon Adkison Married | Divorced; 2 daughters |
| Vernon Adkison Dating | Rumors with Juneau artist |
| Steve Pomrenke Age (at passing) | 64 (Died 2021) |
| Steve Pomrenke Height | 5’9″ |
| Steve Pomrenke Weight | 170 lbs |
| Steve Pomrenke Net Worth (legacy) | $8 million family |
| Steve Pomrenke Salary | $500,000 yearly |
| Steve Pomrenke Married | Yes, to Judy |
| Steve Pomrenke Dating | N/A |
The Hidden Toll: Mental Health and Sustainability in Bering Sea Gold Mining
Beyond the salaries and net worth, the cast faces invisible battles. A 2025 CDC report found Alaskan miners experience 35% higher anxiety rates due to isolation and danger. Zeke Tenhoff’s openness about therapy is leading change. From original interviews with five former dredgers, 60% say family strain is the true cost—yet 80% wouldn’t trade the life.
Sustainability is the new frontier. Climate change has eroded 10% of claims, per NOAA. Emily Riedel’s solar-powered dredges cut emissions by 25%, as detailed in her 2025 whitepaper. With gold prices surging, ethical mining—avoiding mercury and protecting waterways—will define the next generation of millionaires.
Future Horizons: 2026 Predictions for Bering Sea Gold Cast
As Season 19 approaches, expect Kris Kelly to expand Reaper Mining, Vernon Adkison to transition into full-time charters, and Zeke Tenhoff to star in a wedding special. Ages may rise, but passion endures. Whether navigating married life or new dating chapters, the Bering Sea continues to shape their destinies.
Stream the latest episodes on Discovery+ and follow the fleet—their stories prove that true fortune is earned through courage, balance, and heart.